Hard Cider Alcohol Content? Beer or Cider?

Hard Cider Alcohol Content? Beer or Cider?

They say never judge a book by its cover. Well, in this article we do. Who wins this battle? Beer or hard apple cider?

Beer in America has long been the go-to staple drink of choice. But for a growing segment of risk-takers, hard apple cider is quickly becoming the drink of choice.

But what’s the difference between hard cider, it’s sweet composition and health benefits and the benefits of draft beer and it’s alcohol content?

Let’s get to the bottom of this.

** What’s In Hard Cider and Draft Beer Anyways? **

Hard cider and beer differs a great deal from each other in their composition makeup.

While hard cider is made primarily from yeast relying on the fermentation process from apples, pears, blackberries, raspberries, and other fruits, beer is comprised of yeast, hops, barley, and other grains.

While hard cider contains more vitamin C and antioxidants to help protect you from heart disease while reducing the risk of diabetes and asthma, beer packs a lot more protein, vitamin B, and potassium. In fact, studies show some beers contain as much 10 of your daily folate intake – a necessary component of red blood cell growth.

Of course, this isn’t a license to drink more alcohol as a cure, but in small doses have been clinically proven to help.

** What’s The Difference In Sugar Content? **

Massive.

In fact, the amount of sugar for each bottle is the BIGGEST difference between the two. Beer is sugar-free, with only minuscule amounts added to balance its tartness. Cider, however, needs no extra sugars because it’s high in natural fruit fructose (apples, bears, etc.)

The amount of sugar in each hard cider beverage varies depending on the fermentation process and type of fruit used as its base.

Sweet hard ciders are slowly fermented to strain the yeast feeding on its natural sugars. Dry ciders (containing less sugar) allow the yeast to consume most, if not all, of the ciders natural sugars resulting in a higher alcoholic content.

Calories between draft beers and cider are the same across the board, but hard cider typically contains more carbohydrates because of its sugar alone.

** Conclusion **

Bottom-line, it’s not so much a matter of which one has higher alcoholic content. For their to be more alcohol in hard cider requires it to lean more towards a ‘dry’ process to achieve a similar ABV to draft beer. The difference is negligible at that point. Even with a dry hard cider you get natural flavors. Flavors in draft beer are typically artificially included (limes, berries, etc.) whereas with hard cider it’s natural.

If you’re in the area come on over and stop on by at 17985 Armada Center Rd. Armada, MI 48005 , give us a call at 586-784-9463 or shoot us an email at info@blakefarms.com if you have any questions or inquiries.